12 Holiday Traditions from the Past That Disappeared
Holiday traditions have always been a big part of getting together with family to make memories and spend time together. However, as time passed, some beloved traditions quietly died out. They were replaced by new traditions; people's lives just changed, and they just stopped happening.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
Holiday traditions help us remember the good times we had with our families and friends in the past. A lot of these traditions have died out over time because new ones have come up or because changes in society have made them irrelevant. This article discusses 12 holiday traditions that are no longer observed. It shows how the holiday season has changed over the years. By remembering these lost traditions, we can get a better sense of how holiday celebrations have changed over time.
1. Sending Handwritten Holiday Cards
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
In the past, sending holiday cards by hand was a personal tradition. People took the time to write messages to family and friends. People stopped doing this over time as emails and e-cards became easier to use for direct communication. Some people still do it, but it’s not done as often in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world.
2. Christmas Caroling Door-to-Door
Christina Petsos on Pexels
A popular holiday activity was going door-to-door singing Christmas carols, which often brought neighbors together for some holiday cheer. However, this has become less popular over the years because people are more worried about safety, and the holidays are more private and focused on staying inside. Instead of carols, people now go to public concerts or listen to digital holiday music.
3. Elaborate Holiday Feasts with Extended Family
Nicole Michalou on Pexels
Many people loved getting together with their extended families for big holiday meals with many courses. However, these big get-togethers don’t happen as often as they used to because families are now spread out, and everyone is busy. The big parties of the past have been replaced by smaller, more personal meals or even going out to eat.
4. Writing Letters to Santa Claus
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Kids used to love writing letters to Santa Claus during the holidays, including their wish lists for the big day. As technology has grown, online wish lists and virtual visits with Santa have replaced this tradition. Some people still do this out of nostalgia, but it’s not as common as it used to be.
5. New Year’s Day Parades
Kağan Karatay on Pexels
Parades on New Year’s Day were big events in many cities. Families would get together to watch the fancy floats and performances. Over the years, the tradition has died down. As costs have increased and people’s entertainment tastes have changed, fewer cities hold big parades. These once-grand events have been replaced by TV shows and smaller gatherings.
6. Handcrafted Ornaments
cottonbro studio on Pexels
In the past, many families would spend time together making their own Christmas ornaments, which made each tree unique. Making ornaments by hand has become less popular as mass-produced ones have taken over. Some people still like to do their own projects, but it’s not something that most people do.
7. Decorating with Real Christmas Trees
Yaroslav Shuraev on Pexels
Several years ago, families would cut down trees to make a real Christmas tree because they thought it was an important part of the holiday spirit. This tradition has mostly died out since the popularity of fake trees and the ease of use they provide. Some families still like real trees, but they aren’t the norm anymore.
8. Advent Calendars with Small Gifts
Nati on Pexels
As a special tradition, kids would open an advent calendar every day before Christmas and find a small gift or treat inside. These days, most advent calendars are either filled with chocolate or have simpler designs. Pre-packaged gifts have replaced the idea of personalized gifts.
9. Giving Handmade Gifts
Taryn Elliott on Pexels
Making gifts by hand, like knitted scarves, baked goods, or crafts, was a thoughtful and common way to show appreciation during the holidays. People would now buy gifts from stores instead because they are easier to use and can be made in large quantities. Making something one-of-a-kind used to have a personal touch that fast shopping has taken away.
10. Midnight Mass
Ioan-Dan Plesa on Pexels
For many, going to midnight mass on Christmas Eve was an important tradition that marked the beginning of Christmas day. However, this practice has become less common as people’s schedules have changed and their attendance at church has gone down. Fewer people now go to the midnight ceremony, and more go to earlier services or celebrate in their own way.
11. Holiday Pantomimes and Theatrical Performances
Fatih Doğrul on Pexels
Many families, especially around Christmas, have a tradition of going to holiday pantomimes and plays. These shows are full of holiday fun. However, live performances that used to make people laugh during the holidays are mostly replaced by movie theaters and streaming services.
12. Christmas Eve Parties
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Family and friends used to get together for parties on Christmas Eve to have a fun night before the big day. This tradition isn’t done as often as it used to be because people are busier now and holiday plans change. Most of the time, people choose to have small, private gatherings or get ready for the next day on Christmas Eve.